Wait is over for Rooney and England

England's most potent weapon is hardly a secret but there was still a sense of anticipation when Wayne Rooney was wheeled out in front of the media in Krakow on Sunday.

Rooney's road to England redemption after his red card in Montenegro last October will start in the hostile surroundings of Donetsk's Donbass Arena on Tuesday where their Euro 2012 aspirations go on the line against co-hosts Ukraine.

When former England coach Fabio Capello travelled to Uefa headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, to plead for Rooney's suspension to be cut from three games to two - and open up a window of opportunity at Euro 2012 - this was the occasion he had in mind.

And Capello's successor Roy Hodgson will now be the grateful beneficiary of the Italian's unswerving support for England's outstanding player as they seek the point they require to reach the last eight.

Wayne Rooney has a chance to match the impact he made in Euro 2004 as an 18-year-old. Photo: AFP

Rooney was measured and repentant as he faced the world's media, admitting: "What happened was a mistake and I paid the price. When it was a three-game ban I thought I probably wouldn't be here. I'm happy that I am.

"It is obviously something I regret and I understand I made a mistake, but I had to move on and understand I have got a two-game ban. The red card I got was obviously silly, but it was something that happened and I had to forget about it and take my punishment."

For all the calm of Rooney's demeanour, he is arguably the least suited of Hodgson's squad to the enforced role of powerless bystander. Captain Steven Gerrard has already revealed how his fellow Merseysider had been taking out his frustrations on footballs located in the England dressing room.

Rooney said: "Watching games is more difficult than playing, as when you are playing you feel you can do something to put it right if it is not going right. When you are sat in the stands, there is nothing you can do.

"You are basically a fan for the game and that is what it has felt like. I now understand why the fans say it is so difficult to watch."

Rooney's hyperactivity is well-known and there is no doubt he will arrive in Ukraine determined to make up for lost time - both here at Euro 2012 and for disappointments at previous major tournaments.

After electrifying Euro 2004 with four goals as an 18-year-old Everton striker, only to see his illumination of Lisbon's Stadium of Light cut short by a foot injury in the quarter-final against Portugal, the big international stage has been an unfulfilling place for such a world-class talent.

He famously announced his return to full fitness for the 2006 World Cup in Germany after another foot injury by walking into England's Baden-Baden base with the words: "The Big Man is back in town."

Sadly the big man left town with only a red card and abject misery for company after being sent off in another last-eight loss on penalties to Portugal.

In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.

So Rooney has waited eight years to have the desired impact on England's fortunes in a major tournament and Hodgson will be hoping the frustrations will be channelled into a profitable release against Ukraine, who require a win to qualify.

The excitement about Rooney's return has not been confined to neutral observers. Manager Hodgson has been unable to disguise his anticipation of the day when he can pick the 26-year-old. There is no question he will be thrust straight in against Ukraine.

Hodgson will hope the mayhem is inflicted on Ukraine, where Rooney will vie for attention with the co-host nation's sporting icon Andriy Shevchenko as he tries to finish his international career with a flourish.

Rooney's return gives England a player who can make the world's best defences take a step back. He will give Hodgson mobility, tactical flexibility, creation and a goalscoring threat that can change the emphasis and momentum of any match.

And if England do need a moment of inspiration that could make a difference in Donetsk, then Hodgson and Rooney's team-mates know he is the player capable of producing it.

Rooney appeared to have doused his combustible temperament at Old Trafford last season but it will be put to the test in the Donbass Arena. The subdued atmosphere of England's opening against France where players could be heard shouting instructions will be replaced by a hothouse playing host to a nation's expectations.

He is confident England can deal with the occasion, saying: "We've been to a lot of stadiums around the world and we've had to deal with a big atmosphere on a lot of occasions. We're big enough and experienced enough to deal with that."

Comment number 1.

For everyone that knows my stance on England (not quite the part), I think Rooney can make a difference to proceeding. But he will always have an 'overrated' label somewhere in close proximity to his shinpads.

Comment number 2.

Rooney is only one of 2 or 3 players English players who would get into any squad at the Euro's and we do have a poor squad compared to previous years so it's obvious his return generates a lot of interest though I hope when he doesn't set the tournament alight in his first game he doesn't get berated like we English normally love to do.

Comment number 3.

Even if we haven't got a great set of players compared with previous years, I think the attitude and enthusiasm are good - there's maybe more of a hunger than some other (more talented) teams. Hopefully Rooney can add that extra layer of class without spoiling the attitude.

I'd go back to the starting line-up against France, but with Rooney replacing Young who's been poor so far. We need that solid shape to work for us, if not for the Ukraine, then certainly for the knock-out stages. Bit harsh on Carroll and Walcott, but Hodgson will be delighted to have some extra threat available on the bench.

Comment number 4.

I think we've pretty much got the idea that we've not got that great a squad representing England by now. But, aside from a few 'wobbles', some player performances being disappointing, I think we've done a better than we 'could' have expected...not 'should' have. Rooney 'should' have a good effect on the side, he's fresh, he's seen how the team are playing...as a team, not like South Africa...hopefully he'll keep his head, and concentrate on doing what he's supposed to be doing. I just wonder how Roy's going to play him

Comment number 5.

Although Rooney is by far England's best player, let's not forget that he has had many games where he has been anonymous.

Just from a tactical view point though, having him back is a real boost. He provides the link between the midfield and the attack, taking the responsibility from Gerrard, which enables the the midfielders to perform their defensive duties to greater effect.

Comment number 6.

Rooney is a world class player; but when will fans, managers, the nation and the media realize that football is a team game. For all the class of Rooney, without the service and support of the other team member he cannot be successful. We put to much pressure on the guy by writing blogs like this without realizing that you don't win tournaments because of one player, we need more than one player to score goals! (look at Ronaldo for Portugal or RVP for the Netherlands in the EUROS).

Rooney is back in the team, fantastic. Now lets see if this new emerging England team can play well with him in it.

Comment number 7.

There seems to be a constant hullmabaloo about "When Rooney returns" in the media as though he is England's only hope. Well they have done pretty well without him so far and Rooney's record in recent toirnaments does not justify all the hype.So far he has not been the Messiah, just a very naughty boy !!

Comment number 8.

Good article. Difficult selection choice for Hodgson but surely Rooney must come back but I would play him behind Carroll and not in the main striker roll, which would mean Wellbeck sitting out although Young has been a major disappointment and will be lucky to hold his place against young Oxlede-Chamberlain. I just hope that whatever happens, Rooney is NOT played as the main striker, because we never see the best of him in this role. I am also concerned about Parker as he is so slight and has been really knocked about by the French and then the big Swedes and looked very frail the other night, and hardly made a tackle all night, after he was knocked into the hoardings, which is most unusual. Maybe Jones could start there. He's younger, stronger and should be able to dish out a little as well.Walcott to come mid-way through the 2nd half, when defenders are tiring, is always a bonus and much more preferable to him starting.

Comment number 9.

It's undoubtedly a high risk gamble playing Rooney any time because you never know if he's going to go off half cocked and get sent off, a fact the Ukranians will be fully aware of and do everything they can to provoke him.But with both Young and Milner no where near good enough and now Walcott possibly out, maybe sticking Rooney out wide may help keep him out of trouble.Personally I wouldn't take the risk of starting him but have him on the bench as my ace-in-the-hole, to bring on as an impact sub. That way the provocation (hopefully) wouldn't have time to get under his skin

Comment number 10.

This tournament already shows that sometimes a team wins despite the efforts of their best players! Ronaldo did his best to stop Portugal beating Denmark but luckily for him and his colleagues, they pulled through.

I don't think there's an Englishman in the land that wouldn't cheer heartily if Rooney scored a hat-trick and England won 4-0, but they'd prefer Rooney not to score and England to win than him to score twice and England lose 3-2.

This is a team game with Hodgson no doubt defining a role for Rooney within it.

Unless he's going to emulate Maradona in 1986, though, he needs someone to provide him with a cross to head a goal, someone to share one-twos with to put in in on the keeper etc etc.

England have got four points without him, so the team should build on that rather than feeling that now Rooney's back, they can relax.

Comment number 11.

Would you change a reasonably successful formula to accommodate, albeit on paper the best player in the squad on his day, Wayne Rooney? I can see him coming back in, the system not being fully effective and things unraveling. I definitely think it's a case of not knowing what will work, so trying anything will have to do. But Ukraine aren't a good side, and with or without Rooney, England should win. But then, if we play against Spain after that, again, it makes no difference with or without Rooney. So, the key for England is not only to win but to win the game convincingly. Coming first or second in this group will make a huge difference to how far the team can go in the tournament, assuming of course Spain beat Croatia as they are expected to.

Having said all of this; that was yet another thoroughly uninteresting article, Phil.

Comment number 12.

not sure how you work that out #8, rooney has been united's top scorer in 2 of the last 3 seasons and has been most effective either right up front on his jack or as a split striker in combination with a partner, latterly danny welbeck.

i get the impression from your post that you want to see him as a 10 but that's not his game at all. the options england have with rooney and welbeck in tandem are excellent, with either one of them able to play both roles when split long and both able to spit wide and allow others to play through as well.

Comment number 13.

Obviously Autar doesn't know too much about Parker. He's as hard as nails Autar and a real 'street fighter' as any WH supporter can tell you. It was Capello's greatest mistake (among many) not taking him to the WC because every team needs a 'Parker' in these major tournaments.

Comment number 14.

It's undoubtedly a high risk gamble playing Rooney any time because you never know if he's going to go off half cocked and get sent off, a fact the Ukranians will be fully aware of and do everything they can to provoke him._________________________________________________________

Rooney was booked just once last season - and all the PL sides (and fans) tried to provoke him

Comment number 15.

I think it's a nice problem that Hodgson has all of a sudden. Before the tournament Rooney was nailed on to come back into the team; now there are options. Carroll and Welbeck played well together and obviously Walcott has put himself in the frame.

14: Despite the lack of bookings I think there were times when we saw the temper his has rise and he will need to keep it in check; those of us with short fuses can never fully get rid of it. It's up to Hodgson to decide whether Rooney is right for the match and by the sounds of it he is.

Comment number 16.

@13 I'll agree with you that having a ball winner in midfield is important but I'm not sure every team would want Scott Parker. If he didn't give the ball away so much he wouldn't have to spend so much time chasing around trying to win it back!

As for Rooney, I'm looking forward to seeing him back in the team. I think he really struggled with the Jabulani at the World Cup but players seem to be a lot more comfortable with this new ball.

Comment number 17.

We put to much pressure on the guy by writing blogs like this----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maybe, just maybe, this will be the making of Rooney, we may see him in a totally different light. We are all different, some thrive on this kind of expectation and presssure, others fall away because of it.

This will be the first time when we have a chance to see him in a leaders roll at international level. If he is as good as many think he is, then he will not fail England.

Past tournaments have not exactly been happy events for England squads and this appears to be the first time for years, that we have a happy harmonious squad without all the usual bull surrounding it. No WAGS, no visible splits in the team and no managers who cannot understand the English mentality.

When will you journalists get passed the fact that he is merely a red card waiting to happen and on the international stage he has done very little to justify any of the hyperbole and outlandishly unwarranted praise heaped upon him.

Please. Please stop this hysteria. It makes the English press and ultimately England a world wide laughing stock.

Comment number 19.

Playing Rooney out wide is not going to get the best out of him. Just behind a front man (I would go with Welbeck in that role) is where I would like him to be. If he can provide that creativity and link with our midfield then we can pose a different kind of threat to our opponents than we have shown so far.

Comment number 20.

14. At 18:25 17th Jun 2012, eccles45 wrote:Rooney was booked just once last season - and all the PL sides (and fans) tried to provoke him______________________________________________________________________

Yes, Ferguson has a lot of influence over the Premier League but not UEFA. Therefore Red Card Rooney is likely to be treated just like any other miscreant.

Comment number 22.

The celebrity culture continues to progress. A-class to C-class 'celebrities' play too important a role in our culture. Froth and bubble. Why is the BBC so sycophantic? The guy is good at his 'job' and, like others, is on a pay scale beyond comprehension. He is, however, flawed. He's the joker who imperilled the team in the first place by being suspended for indiscipline ... now he's 'ready and willing'. Big deal. Press conferences seeking his opinion and the media enthralled: brilliant.

The talisman returns ... oh what joy! What joy! The media needs to get a grip on itself!

Comment number 23.

That's more like it, he's forever looked like the type who could do that consistently, i've often been critical because he goes chasing the ball in a match, deserting his position, out of hunger to be involved.

The position you suggest is a position where he would certainly see a lot more of the ball and you certainly want your best player involved as much as possible.

Comment number 25.

The signs so far have been very encouraging. I like the attitude of the younger players (Carroll, Chamberalin, Walcott, Welbeck) and get the impression that their focus is on the team doing well rather than their own individual concerns.

I think it will be easier for Rooney to slot into this team without too much disruption compared to some other countries e.g. the stories coming out of the Dutch camp are that some players think they should have been in the team in the first two games and others such as Robben seemed to have a bad attitude when being substituted.

Comment number 26.

Nobody has stopped to think that for the last 8 or so years Rooney has been involved with England Squads that have never had discipline, on or off the pitch. This one is definitely showing a different side to past teams.

This is, his opportunity to show us he is a leader, a talisman for the team.

Comment number 27.

I feel sorry for Rooney, if he doesn't produce a world class performance then whole nation is against him. Ashley Young will benefit from him being back but it's lack of imagination by midfield that will be downfall. If England want to progress they need to realise that Gerrard is yesterday's man and say thank you but goodnight. Give Rooney the responsibility of captaincy and tell him to go win the tournament

Comment number 29.

I really do think it's time that a certain journalist rethinks his homage and genuflections to Rooney and Ferguson. He is clearly a big fan of both but this hysteria is getting in the way of objectivity.

Rooney has been the subject of debate and on-camera coverage to the point that you would think that he will don a cape and blue underpants and save, not just Ingerland, but also the planet the universe and beyond.

This is absolutley ludicrous fare served up by adults, not starry eyed 13 year olds.It needs to stop now. Credibility is already lost.

Comment number 30.

I feel sorry for Rooney, if he doesn't produce a world class performance then whole nation is against him. Give Rooney the responsibility of captaincy and tell him to go win the tournament---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Only idiots will be against him, if he gives his all [i'm sure he will] and tries his best. then that is all we can ask of him.

This is not some club game, for me he could play for anyone, I don't care but this is England and that is all that counts.

This is about real glory and a place in England's footballing history.

Comment number 31.

The majority of England fans will agree that Rooney has the potential to 'tear up' any football team. Equally, Rooney may not achieve his potential, for example 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

I am worried about Rooneys physical and mental fitness. If he does not play well, he will get frustrated and he may do something stupid on the pitch and get sent off.

Of course, I would start with him in the team, but I would possibly withdraw him after 60mins or so if he starts to struggle. England need to keep 11 players on the pitch.

In my opinion England should play with all their attack minded players to try to better the French goal difference. England have a greater chance of beating Croatia/Italy than Spain.

I would play 4,3,1,2 with Rooney behind Carroll and Wellbeck. Walcott and Ox Chamberlin on the wings with Gerrard sitting in front of the defence. Parker to sit out with Johnson, Terry, Lescott and Cole in Defence.

Comment number 32.

I think I concur with several of the previous posters. I am very happy to see this young squad playing with talent, guts and enthusiasm. In theory, Rooney can only make this better. Capello failed miserably to find a formula to support Rooney and get the best out of him. But it is not only up to Hodson to remedy this, success is in the hands of Rooney himself, his young teammates and Hodson's strategies. For the first time in eight years we have something positive to look forward to. Bring it on!

Comment number 39.

I like everyone was hugely disappointed last year in see a shadow of the Rooney we know , I am sure he dearly loves to want to put the past to rest . Injuries , suspensions and the past can be put to bed if now he comes out and bring his A game . Ironically I am hoping sitting on the sidelines would have created a huge hunger inside him , I hope he has the right temperament and is professional on the pitch and he will be a star if so .

Comment number 40.

Jagielka in for Terry. He qand Lescott were excellent in the friendly against Spain recently. Terry has the speed and turning circle of a north sea oil tanker.I wonder if it's worth putting Baines in for Cashley?

Comment number 41.

killingholme @33 Only someone without wit or intelligence to could come up with a cogent coherent argument (irony) like that. Clearly a slave of red top rag journalists.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sorry to disappoint i don't read red top rags. I have nothing against those who do though.

Now the reason, if you are an England national team supporter, then whatever club a player is at is irrelevant.

If the player plays for a certain club and he gets crucified whilst playing for England because of that club. Quite obviously the people that do that are not true England supporters.

I for one support England without a thought for who a player plays for.

The one thing Rooney can never be criticised for is 'wanting to play for England'

Therefore it is the mindless idiot that brings club mentality into it.

Comment number 42.

I really do think it's time that a certain journalist rethinks his homage and genuflections to Rooney and Ferguson. He is clearly a big fan of both but this hysteria is getting in the way of objectivity.

Comment number 43.

@42.....No. Reality is the best place to be.@41....I too support England. I want us to progress.Rooney is over hyped and has not delivered at International level. Welbeck (Man Utd) and Carroll (Liverpool) deserve to keep their places.

Comment number 54.

Maybe like Ferdinand, Hodgson could have dropped Rooney for "footballing" reasons.Ferdinand cant play two games in four days according to his club manager. Rooney couldnt play the first two games because he deliberately kicked an opponent.No difference there then

Comment number 56.

I really hope that press reports of squad unity are true as it's the only way we have any chance for success. It will be one more step than many England 'fans' can take who appear more bothered about other teams players messing up and costing England rather than supporting them and actually doing well. Club or player bias is taking over!

Comment number 58.

How is Rooney England's potent weapon, more like pretentious, he has not scored in major tournament for England since 2004, if it had been anyone else they would have been dropped a long time ago. I am not saying Rooney is a bad player, because he is a very good player, but he is NOT world class, and does not really deserve an automatic place in the England squad, his temperment is in big question, as the European refereees will not let him get away with the things that he has allowed to get away with by the EPL referees.

Comment number 62.

Personally, I think Rooney is a sorry excuse for a human being and had he not been any good at football no one would bother about him. However, he is a good footballer and probably England's only decent international forward.

Wellbeck might turn out to be a good forward but looks too much like "Bambi on ice" for me. Carroll needs to focus on trying to be a good club footballer before bothering about internationals and Defoe needs to actually play a club game.

Back to the game. Rooney needs to play just behind the other forward so the question is can Wellbeck lead the line and can Carroll be effective without being constantly pulled up for fouls by a home town crowd? I'd say no to both but without an alternative would probably lead with Carroll and bring on Wellbeck as an impact sub an hour in. Either way I suspect Rooney will only be playing a maximum of two games in this tournament and there must be good odds that his wait for a tournament goal (going back to 2004) will continue.

Comment number 63.

CC, I go with that. Point is-- Why all this tripe about Rooney from so called "respected football journalists".? Clearly,Mr. McNulty should get a little moreexperience of International football at the highest level before making speciouscopy.

Comment number 67.

63.At 21:40 17th Jun 2012, snowLordPumpkin wrote: CC, I go with that. Point is-- Why all this tripe about Rooney from so called "respected football journalists".? Clearly,Mr. McNulty......________________________________________________________________

Its a constant from Mr McNulty. It seems Rooney and Ferguson can do no wrong in his eyes.

Comment number 69.

68.At 21:45 17th Jun 2012, BaggiosPonytail wrote: Well the Dutch have shown that it doesn't matter how many talented individuals you have if a team has no teamwork,_____________________________________________________________________So Wellback and Carroll should keep their places, Red Card Rooney on the bench?

Comment number 72.

70.At 21:48 17th Jun 2012, Londoner in exile returns wrote: Maybe it would be best to wait and see if Rooney can produce a display at international level before he is slaughtered.____________________________________________________________________Last competitive goal 2004. How many years do you suggest we wait?

Comment number 73.

He shouldn't be there England win more games without him that with him. His temperament is a liability and his performences in the last two world cups show he doesn't have what it takes at tournaments. REmember how we failed to even qualify for 2008? Our 'talisman' was an integral part of that team...

Comment number 86.

I really want England to throw off the shackles. Drop Milner and Young, play the Ox, Walcott, Rooney and Welbeck and really go for the throat. Unfortunately, it may not be the attack or the defense that really lacks class at this tournament, but the midfield. Gerrard is a great player when he has the safety net of two holding players, when he has to be tactically aware, not so much. Parker looks great tearing around for tackles, except the reason he has to tear around making tackles is that he is so far out of position it's embarrassing. When Wilshere and Cleverley come of age, we may have a good enough midfield.

Comment number 87.

He shouldn't be there England win more games without him that with him. His temperament is a liability and his performences in the last two world cups show he doesn't have what it takes at tournaments. REmember how we failed to even qualify for 2008? Our 'talisman' was an integral part of that team...---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yep he was a part of 'that team' but this is a different team, at a different time, with a different manager, who employs different tactics.

I've seen the stats that stated we won more games without Rooney, than with him.

The thing about those stats they did not take into account the opposition, or how the rest of the team performed. Just a couple of factors that have a massive impact on an individual players stats, in a team game.

Comment number 89.

85.At 22:15 17th Jun 2012, BaggiosPonytail wrote: I agree that Portugal have blown hot and cold so far but I think momentum is important in tournaments and in complete contrast to Russia have played better in each match.________________________________

I always said that if Portugal get out of the group of death they could win the thing. I put 25 Euros on Portugal to win at 25:1 :)

I think they win beat the Czechs , and if they get Spain in the semis they will beat them , Spain do not like playing Portugal as they have a poor record against them.

Comment number 93.

Ok, I'll stop the silliness- been a great day of football and simply do not want to initiate the sort of stuff that went on yesterday.

I've noticed that all sides have had poor periods during games such as Poland yesterday who's lack of initiative- well just simply shocking. Netherlands even more so, they just simply couldn't control the game. And R7 coming good at just the wrong time for them. Mmm, much more to comment on today!

Comment number 98.

Personally, I think Rooney should take his place on the bench for the simple reason that I think it's dangerous to let any player believe he is an automatic selection. Let's not forget that he's been out due to his own stupidity rather than misfortune, and he's not exactly lit up tournaments in the past.

However, I think it's very likely he will start and for me Ashley Young should be the player dropped. He's not looked good either centrally or on the flank and in fact certainly cost us the first goal v Sweden by leaving Mellberg on his own. He's created nothing and been next-to-no threat. It would be harsh to leave out either Carroll or Welbeck given that they both scored and scored well. Welbeck's improvisation was excellent and Carroll scored a goal which no-one else in the squad could have, let's be honest. But Hodgson won't play all three. It's virtually certain he'll bow to the media who seem to love Welbeck and drop Carroll.

And to anyone saying it would be unfair to slate Rooney if he doesn't have a great game, rubbish. It would be equally unfair to NOT slate him if he has a bad one. If he plays he should be treated in the match and post-match just like anyone else, with no allowances either way. He should earn his shirt like everyone else. He threw it away by his own stupidity, it's up to him to prove he deserves it again

BBC links

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.